Weather in Winter Haven, Florida
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:53 AM
- Moonset
- 12:27 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Winter Haven at a glance
- Today vs. normal: NaN°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: February 3 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| April | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | — | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
August brings Winter Haven's peak heat (~84°F mean) while January delivers the coolest temperatures (~63°F). Rain patterns show July as the wettest month (8.3 inches) and November as the driest (2.1 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 63° | 3.0″ | 4 |
| February | 65° | 2.4″ | 4 |
| March | 68° | 3.2″ | 5 |
| April | 74° | 2.9″ | 4 |
| May | 79° | 2.5″ | 4 |
| June | 82° | 8.3″ | 11 |
| July | 84° | 8.3″ | 12 |
| August | 84° | 6.3″ | 11 |
| September | 82° | 7.3″ | 9 |
| October | 77° | 3.0″ | 6 |
| November | 70° | 2.1″ | 3 |
| December | 65° | 3.0″ | 3 |
Regional context
Winter Haven belongs to a humid subtropical climate region that extends across nearby cities. This climate group shares comparable temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions.
Similar climates: Miami, FL, Tampa, FL, Orlando, FL, Jacksonville, FL, Cape Coral, FL.
Naturalist notes
May brings the peak migration of painted buntings through Winter Haven, their brilliant blue heads and red underparts flashing through oak canopies.
Southern magnolia trees typically begin their fragrant white blooms in late May, marking the transition into Florida's intense summer season.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Winter Haven?
- Winter Haven typically sees its last spring frost around mid-February, with the first fall frost returning around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Winter Haven?
- July stands as the wettest month with about 8.3 inches of rain on average, contributing to the city's roughly 52 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Winter Haven?
- August typically brings the warmest temperatures, averaging about 84°F.
- What is the coldest month in Winter Haven?
- January typically brings the coolest temperatures, averaging about 63°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Winter Haven?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be sown around the last spring frost (mid-February), while warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Winter Haven get?
- Winter Haven averages about 75 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Winter Haven?
- Winter Haven's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool can provide the current zone designation using the city ZIP.
Climate
Winter Haven, Florida experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. Temperature patterns show January means hovering near 63°F while July averages 84°F — a 21°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation in Winter Haven totals about 52 inches spread over roughly 75 rainy days.
Several factors control the yearly climate rhythm: latitude (28.0°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These elements determine what grows here, when frost threatens, and the daily weather patterns.